While cardinals and blue jays grab the spotlight, winter's real hidden gems are scurrying through the leaf litter.
Sparrows are diverse, beautiful, and perfectly adapted for Ohio's colder months. Get to know some of our local sparrows in our latest blog: https://bit.ly/3MF9eTC
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Behind every clean, safe park is a team working hard to keep it that way!
Our rangers patrol parks, assist visitors, respond to emergencies, and help protect the natural spaces we all love 🌿
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Today, we celebrate the women who lead, explore, protect, volunteer, and teach in our parks🌼 From the trails to the nature centers, your passion helps our communities thrive!
Happy International Women's Day!
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Spotted salamanders are on the move during warm, rainy spring nights as they head to woodland pools to breed. If you're lucky enough to see one, enjoy the moment and give them some space; they've got important places to be!
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One park's trash really is a giraffe's feast🦒
By partnering with the Columbus Zoo, Metro Parks is turning invasive callery pear trees into nutritious food for animals, all while restoring healthy habitats in our parks. Read the full story: https://bit.ly/4cBSN54
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Today we're celebrating the wild neighbors who make our parks come alive. From soaring hawks to spring wildflowers, every species plays a role in our ecosystems. Happy World Wildlife Day 🦫🦝
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📸 Scott Zimmermann, Christopher Brinkman, Adam Brandemihl
Mud? Optional.
A Sunday nap? Mandatory.
Happy National Pig Day from our pigs at Slate Run Living Historical Farm 🐷
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📸 Margaret Crawford
We're getting closer and closer to spring!
Check out March's events and programs! From Welcome to Spring hikes to birdwatching, we have tons of opportunities for everyone to get outside and enjoy nature 🌱
Find ALL details, programs, addresses, and more: https://bit.ly/4n2XqrU
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State Nature Preserves are protected so nature can thrive 🌱 By visiting respectfully, you help ensure these special places remain healthy for generations to come!
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February's Photo(s) of the Month come from Sharon Woods Metro Parks, on a sunny day after the snow fell ❄️
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📸 Mary Ann Schell
Even in the winter, the creeks and rivers keep moving!
As temperatures fluctuate, river ice forms, breaks apart, and refreezes. When moving water pushes large sheets downstream, they collide and pile up, creating an ice jam 🧊
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📸 Ben Dawson
Males have a bold, fan-shaped crest that they can raise or flatten at will.
Females have crests too, but theirs is more of a cinnamon-brown color.
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Did you know that Metro Parks manages 5 State Nature Preserves within our parks?
The Walter A. Tucker State Nature Preserve sits within Blacklick Woods Metro Park, and is a 54-acre swamp preserve!
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📍 Darby Creek Greenway Trail, Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park
This gravel trail is a total of 5 miles long, connecting the Darby Dan area to the Cedar Ridge area of Battelle Darby Creek. Visitors can hike or bike this trail, and visit the bison along the way 🦬
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We're hiring seasonal Park Technicians!
Get outside and help with trail maintenance, mowing and mulching, invasive species removal, and other tasks that help keep our parks beautiful and thriving 🌳
Find the full job description and apply by clicking here: https://bit.ly/2wS19U3
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We're spreading the love of nature on this Valentine's Day 💕
Enjoy these Valentine's from us to you, or send them to someone you love!
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Did you know that Metro Parks manages 5 State Nature Preserves within our parks?
Pickerington Ponds State Nature Preserve is a 418-acre preserve that includes a buttonbush swamp, marshes, and ponds. Over 250 different species of birds have been recorded over the years 🦆
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Wildlife sightings, scenic overlooks, and trails that wind through forests and meadows - Highbanks Metro Park is truly one of a kind 🌲
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We're hiring Seasonal Park Rangers 🌱
You'll greet and assist visitors, answer questions about trails and wildlife, patrol park areas, and help keep our parks safe, clean, and welcoming for everyone!
Find the full job description and apply by clicking here: https://bit.ly/2wS19U3
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Double the good news!
The Blendon Woods Inclusive Playground has been recognized by OPRA for inclusive play, and Metro Parks’ Steve Studenmund received the Jack Hanna Award for his outstanding conservation leadership.
Read more: https://bit.ly/4caoZwf
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Did you know that Metro Parks manages 5 State Nature Preserves within our parks?
The Edward S. Thomas State Nature Preserve can be found at Sharon Woods Metro Park, and features 8 species of oaks, some over 250 years old, & large hickory, maple, & beech trees.
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Join us for the Winter Hike Celebration on February 22nd at the Blacklick Woods Golf Course from 11am to 3pm❄️
If you can't make this event, no worries! Just follow the instructions on your card or in the app.
More info: https://bit.ly/3EdTHCi
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Metro Parks are home to some incredible wetlands, and that's why we're celebrating World Wetlands Day 🐸 These water-rich ecosystems filter water, prevent floods, and provide homes for countless critters!
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📸 Killdeer at Glacier Ridge, Edith Wood
Cold days, cozy layers, and plenty to explore ❄️
February programs here! From guided hikes to Galentine's Day fun, there's plenty to explore this month at your Metro Parks 💕
Find more details and addresses by visiting our website: https://bit.ly/4n2XqrU
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Did you know that Metro Parks manages 5 State Nature Preserves within our parks?
Edward F. Hutchins State Nature Preserve is located within Highbanks, spanning 206 acres, along the Overlook Trail. This nature preserve features 100-foot high bluffs overlooking the Olentangy River 🪨
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Metro Parks staff have captured some gorgeous photos of the parks while they're out clearing snow this week ❄️
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📸 Tall pines at Walnut Woods, Ranger Mindi; barn at Slate Run Farm, Alli Shaw; Innis House, Ranger Bryan; Millikin Falls at Quarry Trails, Quarry Trails staff
We heard 2016 was trending, so we're throwing it back 💚
Same parks, same love for the outdoors, just 10 years ago!
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📸 toasting marshmallows at Scioto Grove, John Nixon; Yappy Hour at Scioto Audubon, Angela Latham
From wartime strategy in the European Alps to an urban adventure right here in Columbus 🧗♀️ Learn the fascinating history behind via ferratas—and how Quarry Trails Metro Park became part of a nearly 200-year-old global legacy. Read the full story: https://bit.ly/3NvGRY6
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January's photo of the month comes from Slate Run Living Historical Farm, and features Chester the farm cat 🐈 You may see him roaming around the farmhouse while you're there!
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📸 Cyndi Griffith, via OuterSpatial
Did you know that Metro Parks manages 5 State Nature Preserves within our parks?
Clear Creek State Nature Preserve, a part of Clear Creek Metro Park, is Ohio's largest nature preserve, spanning 4,729 acres. Over 800 plant species have been recorded & 18 species of warblers!
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